A community health nurse is working in a homeless shelter during a pandemic. The nurse should identify which of the following situations as an ethical dilemma?
Deciding when to transport residents who are symptomatic to an urgent care center
Deciding which workers will wear the limited personal protective equipment available
Determining the arrangement of residents within the shelter to prevent spread of infection
Determining how to keep meals warm when serving each of the homeless shelter residents
The Correct Answer is B
A. Deciding when to transport residents who are symptomatic to an urgent care center: This decision involves clinical judgment and prioritization based on symptoms and urgency. While challenging, it follows standard nursing protocols and is not typically considered an ethical dilemma unless resources are severely limited.
B. Deciding which workers will wear the limited personal protective equipment available: This presents an ethical dilemma because the nurse must balance staff safety, fairness, and duty to care amid limited resources. The difficult decision may place some staff at greater risk, raising concerns about justice, equity, and ethical responsibility.
C. Determining the arrangement of residents within the shelter to prevent spread of infection: While this requires logistical planning and public health knowledge, it generally does not involve conflicting moral principles. The focus is on infection control and best practices for spatial distancing to reduce disease transmission.
D. Determining how to keep meals warm when serving each of the homeless shelter residents: This is a practical challenge involving meal service logistics and client satisfaction but does not involve conflicting ethical principles or significant risks to health or well-being.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The presence of community members smoking reflects individual lifestyle choices, as smoking is a personal behavior that directly affects health. Observing such behavior can help the nurse identify trends in health practices and target interventions like smoking cessation programs.
B. The presence of a community health clinic represents an available resource for healthcare access, which is a structural or systemic factor rather than an individual lifestyle choice. It reflects the healthcare infrastructure in the area.
C. The presence of a manufacturing facility is related to the economic and environmental conditions of the community. While it may influence occupational health, it is not an indicator of personal health choices made by individuals.
D. The presence of high-speed internet is an infrastructural advantage that may support health education and access to services, but it is not a direct observation of personal health behavior or lifestyle decisions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Consulting with the provider throughout a client's course of treatment: Consulting with providers is a collaborative practice that supports coordinated care and is a standard professional responsibility, not typically a liability concern for case managers.
B. Providing recommendations to a client about alternatives to treatments prescribed by their provider: Making treatment recommendations without proper authorization or outside the scope of practice can lead to liability issues. Case managers must avoid advising clients to alter prescribed treatments and instead facilitate communication between clients and providers.
C. Verifying a provider's licensure before referring the client to them: Verifying licensure ensures the provider’s credentials are valid and protects clients from unqualified practitioners. This is a standard safety practice and does not pose liability for the case manager.
D. Determining a client's literacy level before providing advance directive documents:
Assessing literacy helps tailor education and ensures client understanding, which supports informed decision-making and reduces liability risks related to inadequate communication. This is a prudent nursing action, not a liability concern.
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